Malaysia Pledges Support for Myanmar's Return to ASEAN Amid Diplomatic Push

Malaysia’s prime minister has announced that his government will do "whatever possible" to ensure Myanmar’s reintegration into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), following talks with Myanmar’s military-backed President Min Aung Hlaing in Putrajaya, Malaysia.

The Myanmar leader is currently visiting Malaysia for a two-day trip, marking his first visit since taking office in April. This visit is part of a broader diplomatic effort to bring the country back into the international fold following the 2021 coup that sparked an ongoing civil war.

During a media briefing on Thursday, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that Malaysia aims to enhance collaboration and ultimately welcome Myanmar back into the community of nations, particularly within the context of ASEAN. Myanmar has faced exclusion from high-level ASEAN political meetings since 2021 due to insufficient progress on the bloc's peace plan.

Additionally, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim discussed the ongoing repatriation of thousands of Myanmar nationals, noting that Myanmar has accepted the return of 10,493 citizens so far. While it remains unclear if minority Muslim Rohingya—who face persecution and lack citizenship—are among the returnees, Anwar emphasized that the process would remain "voluntary, safe and dignified." Min Aung Hlaing confirmed that Myanmar will accept more migrants from Malaysia "as soon as possible."

Both leaders also explored ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, security, and economic matters.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anwar has faced criticism from human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, for legitimizing Min Aung Hlaing's presidency and for policies regarding the repatriation of migrants to Myanmar, where over 100,000 people have died since 2021. Activists had urged Anwar to pressure the Myanmar leader to halt human rights abuses and stop plans for forced returns.